Wagering casino game called casino tic-tac-toe

ABSTRACT

A casino game comprising one or more sets of game pieces have one of two possible indicia, and a layout or array which designates various wagering areas. The object of the game is to make a good wager based on a randomized event related to the set of game pieces. The preferred game apparatus includes a single set of game pieces which are cards having either an “X” or an “O”, and a layout or array that provides nine squares for placing the cards upon sections or spaces of the layout or array.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/032,965, filed Mar. 1, 2008, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to methods for playing a casino game wagering on the outcome of random and/or unknown events, such as the outcome of a plurality of game pieces displayed on a game board. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for playing a casino wagering game using a set of game pieces such as cards or tiles each game piece having one of a plurality of possible outcome indicia. In one embodiment two possible outcome indicia are provided, such as “X” or “O” on each of the plurality of game pieces.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

The method and apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided is a new casino game called “Casino Tic-Tac-Toe” where players wager against random outcomes regarding the display of a set of game pieces (including but not limited to cards and/or tiles), and providing a quick revelation of the final game result.

In a live table game format, the players each make selected wager(s). The game pieces can be randomized, a set of the game pieces are displayed, and the outcome is determined to select winning and losing wagers.

In one embodiment is provided a method and apparatus for a gambling game which is played using a set of game pieces where each game piece has one of a plurality of possible outcomes. In one embodiment each game piece has one of two possible outcomes (first and second outcomes). In one embodiment each game piece can be a card having one of first or second indicia, such as “X” and “O”.

In one embodiment, players will have a set of wagers and/or bets regarding the randomized outcome of the display result of the set of game pieces. During each round of play, players can select bets from a set of allowed wagers and/or bets. In one embodiment multiple bets or wagers are allowed for each player, including the possibility of making inconsistent bets or wagers.

In one embodiment only a single bet or wager for each player is allowed. In one embodiment, after an opportunity to make a first set of bets or wagers, final bets or wagers will be called and game play will start.

In one embodiment, the method and apparatus begins with each player making a wager or set of wagers on a random result regarding the display of a plurality of game pieces, each game piece having one of a plurality of possible outcome indicia. If a player's wager(s) is designated a winning outcome, the player receives a payoff based upon his wager(s) and if the outcome is a losing outcome, the player's wager(s) are lost. In one embodiment wagers are resolved by comparing the wagers placed to the event of the outcome.

In one embodiment the method includes the following steps: (a) providing a game table, the game table having a plurality of game pieces having one of a plurality of possible outcome indicia which can provide a random outcome upon the display of a plurality of the game pieces; (b) players placing different wagers on the table by betting on the outcome of the game pieces; (c) displaying a plurality of the game pieces in a plurality of display positions from a set of possible positions revealing a winning or losing outcome; (d) collecting losing wagers; and (e) paying winning wagers.

In one embodiment the plurality of display positions in step “c” can be a 3 by 3 display matrix of display squares.

In one embodiment, step “d” is performed before step “e.” In one embodiment, step “e” is performed before step “d.”

In one embodiment the method includes an additional step “f” of collecting the game pieces for another round of play.

In one embodiment, in step “c”, the game pieces are dealt on the table to a plurality of position squares.

In one embodiment, before step “c”, the game pieces are randomized.

In one embodiment, during step “c”, the outcome of the game pieces can be called out.

In one embodiment the method includes the following steps: (a) participating players placing their desired bets; (b) randomizing (preferably by shuffling) the game pieces; (c) dealing/displaying the game pieces to a game board having a plurality of display positions (in a predetermined order) revealing winning and/or losing outcomes; (d) collecting all losing bets; (e) paying all outside winning bets; and (f) collecting the game pieces for the next round of play.

In one embodiment the plurality of display positions in step “c” can be a 3 by 3 display matrix of display squares.

In one embodiment last bets are called before step “c”. In one embodiment last bets are called before step “b”. In one embodiment last bets are called after step “b” but before step “c”.

In one embodiment the method includes the following steps: (a) participating players placing their desired bets; (b) calling for last bets and then dealing the game pieces to reveal the winning outcome; (c) collecting all losing bets; (d) paying all winning bets; and (e) collecting game pieces in preparation for the next round of play.

In one embodiment the game pieces in step “b” are dealt to a plurality of display positions which can be a 3 by 3 display matrix of display squares.

In one embodiment the plurality of game pieces can be a plurality of cards with one of a first or second indicia, which cards are placed in a deck, and shuffled to obtain a randomized outcome for each round of play. In one embodiment the cards can be solid in design on the back face of the card, and either have an “X” or “O” on the front side of the card.

In one embodiment the plurality of cards will have either first and second indicia (e.g., “X” or “O”). In one embodiment there will be fifty two (52) cards in a deck, twenty six (26) “X” and twenty six (26) “O” cards. In one embodiment the plurality of cards are shuffled before the start of game play. In one embodiment the plurality of cards are shuffled before the start of a first game, but up to five (5) games are played from the deck before the plurality of cards are shuffled again.

In one embodiment there will be fifty four (54) cards—twenty seven (27) “X” and twenty seven (27) “O.” In one embodiment the cards are shuffled before the start of game play. In one embodiment the cards are shuffled before the start of a first game, but up to six (6) games are played from the deck before the cards are shuffled again.

In one embodiment there will be eighteen (18) cards—nine (9) “X” and nine (9) “O.” In this embodiment the cards can be shuffled before the start of each game.

In one embodiment there will be ten (10) cards—five (5) “X” and five (5) “O.” In this embodiment the cards can be shuffled before the start of each game.

In various embodiments a plurality of game pieces can be randomized to obtain a random event, and then displayed on a plurality of game-piece-display positions (or display squares) to reveal an outcome event for the displayed game pieces. In one embodiment the order of display on the game-piece-display positions can also be randomized.

In one embodiment, where the game pieces are a plurality of cards, the game-piece-randomization event can be shuffling of the cards.

In one embodiment the dealer will deal the cards to a predetermined first square on a table or display, and then to a set of subsequent squares during a particular game, with no variation in the order of display square dealt to (from new game to new game) for a series of games.

In one embodiment the first display square dealt to will vary from game to game, but the sequence or order of display squares subsequently dealt to (following the first display square dealt) will remain the same for a series of games.

In one embodiment a designated player will decide the first display square (to be used to display the first selected game piece) by calling the number of this first display square.

In one embodiment a pair of dice or some other randomizing apparatus/method will be used to decide the first square to be used for displaying a game piece.

In one embodiment the dealer or a designated player will decide what numbered position on the table (e.g., a tic-tac-toe board) will be dealt to first. For example, dealing may begin on square number 1, and continue upwardly through square number 9. As another example, dealing may begin with a randomly chosen square, and upwards to 9, then starting on 1, and upwards to the square preceding the originally selected square for first deal.

Alternatively, dealing may be by horizontal rows (right to left by dealer's view) but with the order of rows randomly selected (e.g., randomly select first the row having display square 4, next the row having display square 1, and third the row having display square 7). Alternatively, dealing may be done left to right by dealer's view.

Also alternatively, dealing may be by columns, such as from bottom to top by dealer's view and then right to left (e.g., the order of display squares being 1,4,7,2,5,8,3,6, and then 9). Alternatively, dealing may be done with the order of columns dealt randomly selected, and the dealing can be from top to bottom by dealer's view, or bottom to top by dealer's view.

In one embodiment the dealer will deal cards to a starting square and continue dealing upward in count to the number 9 square, and then at the number 1 square until all cards are dealt or a winning outcome is revealed. For example, if position 4 is dealt first, the dealer will start dealing the cards face up in the number 4 square, then to the following order of display squares: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1, 2, and 3. If a winning outcome occurs before all cards are dealt, the game is stopped and that winner being either “X” or “O” is paid, and all other bets lose.

Alternatively, dealing order can be chosen from a previously selected order of dealing. This previously selected order of dealing can be varied from game to game based on predetermined selection rules for dealing order. For example, the various possibilities in dealing (first and subsequently) to an array of position squares can be determined, each possibility assigned a number (i.e., 1 to n where n is the number of possibilities), and a number randomly chosen before game play which number identifies the particular dealing pattern to be followed during the game. For the next game, a new number can be randomly selected.

Alternatively, dealing order may be randomly chosen. For example, a random number generator can be used to randomly select the order of the dealing of display squares 1 through 9. For example, one of a set of ping pong balls having individual numbers 1 through 9 on each specific ball, can be randomly drawn to choose the first display square to be dealt to. This random selection of dealing order can be performed before each game play so that the players will not know the order of the dealing. As another example, a computer can be used to randomly select the order of dealing positions 1 through 9.

In one embodiment where the game pieces are tiles, the game piece randomization event can be performed by shaking the game pieces in a container, and then blindly pulling out the game pieces from the container.

In one embodiment a bingo type rolling cage can be used to randomize and blindly choose the set of game pieces to be displayed. This order can be determined by having 9 balls with the numbers 1 through 9 thereon, and the order of dealing will be the order in which the numbered balls are blindly chosen from the bingo cage.

In one embodiment an automatic shaker can be used to randomize the game pieces and blindly choose the game pieces to be displayed.

In one embodiment a computer is used to provide a random outcome for selecting and displaying a set of game pieces.

In one embodiment a video display is used to display the result of randomizing and displaying the set of game pieces.

In one embodiment the players are allowed to make different bets as to the randomized outcome of the set of game pieces. In one embodiment there are multiple bets for players to choose from for each round of play. In one embodiment, players can make bets of “X”, “O”, and “Tie” for the outcome. In one embodiment players can bet on one, two, or all three betting options for “X”, “O”, and/or “Tie”. In one embodiment players can make specific proposition bets on the type of winning outcome for the game pieces.

In one embodiment players can make wagers on what position square a winning game piece will be placed/displayed (e.g., the square that will terminate a winning outcome). In one embodiment players can wager on a position square that will be in a winning outcome. In one embodiment players can wager on a position square that will start a winning outcome. In one embodiment players can also bet on the orientation of the winning outcome (e.g., diagonal, horizontal, or vertical section of squares making up the winning outcome of either “X” or “O”).

In one embodiment dealing will stop when a winning outcome has been occurred (either “X” or “O”, or all squares are filled without a win by an “X” or an “O” thus given a “Tie”).

In one embodiment dealing will continue until all nine (9) cards are displayed, and a winner will then be verified. Dealing will continue even after a first winning outcome is determined (e.g., three “X” in a row, column, or diagonal). Because dealing will continue multiple winning outcomes are possible. For example, three “Xs” may occur in one row and three “Os” occur in a second row.

In one embodiment there can be a bonus bet for a number of sequential wins by a particular player in a series of games. This number can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more winning games in a row. In one embodiment the above bonus bet can be for “X” winning. In one embodiment it can be for “O” winning. In one embodiment it can be for “Tie” winning.

In various embodiments a proposition bet can be made that specifies the type and order of wins in a series of games to be played (which type does not have to the be same)—for example, a proposition bet for a series of three games could be first “X” wins, then “O” wins, then “X” wins again. The possibility of specific proposition bets are limited only by the number of games in the series for the proposition and the different types of wins (e.g., “X”, “O”, and/or “Tie”).

In one embodiment odds will be paid on all bets. A mathematical analysis can be determined to provide a house advantage on selecting and various payouts for the bets or wagers.

In one embodiment, all players are required to place wagers of equal value regardless of the wager made. In one embodiment the amount of the wager is determined by house rules. In one embodiment the amount of the wager is displayed at the game table.

In one embodiment each player is required to place the same amount of wager.

In one embodiment the amount of each player's wager can vary from another player's wager.

In one embodiment each player is given the option to increase his wager and require the other players to match, or the non-matching players will lose some or all of their wagers. In one embodiment, the raising and matching players can be granted some or all of the non-matching player's wagers.

In one embodiment different payouts are made for different winning wagers. For example, the payouts may be based on the odds of winning.

In one embodiment different payouts are made for the same winning wagers depending on the outcome of play.

In one embodiment a dealer is used to accept, collect, and payout on winning wagers. In one embodiment two dealers are used to accept, collect, and payout on winning wagers. In one embodiment one dealer is used to accept and collect wagers; and a second dealer is used to payout on winning wagers.

In one embodiment one person will randomize the game pieces (e.g., shuffling the cards or shaking the game pieces), and another person(s) (e.g., dealer(s)) will collect bets and payout winning bets. In one embodiment dealer(s) is/are responsible for paying all winning bets and collecting all losing bets.

After the wagers have been placed, the dealer or game proctor will call for final wagers and, if no more wagers are placed, the result of the game pieces will be revealed.

In one embodiment a partial result of one or more of the game pieces can be displayed, and the players are given the opportunity to increase their previously made wagers. For example, after one or two game pieces have been displayed a call for a second wager or bonus bet can be made. In one embodiment the payout for the increased amount of this second wager is the same as that of the original wager. In one embodiment the payout is different (such as 1 to 1). In one embodiment the possible increased wager is limited (such as by the amount of the original wager).

Table

In one embodiment the method and apparatus includes a table for playing a casino game. In one embodiment the table can include a playing surface/layout (cloth, table top or game board) and a result selector in the form of a set of game pieces or tiles each with one of a plurality of possible indicia.

In one embodiment a second area on the layout designates wagering areas for the reception of players' chips. Graphical indicia for different wagers signify the type of wagers the players make in the course of a round of the game. In one embodiment the multiple sets of graphical indicia for different wagers can be used. In one embodiment each player can have their own set of graphical indicia for the allowable different wagers.

In various embodiments the graphical indicia may appear in the form of geometric shapes such as rectangles, squares, parallelograms, polygons, circles, or other two dimensional shapes.

In one embodiment, the game can played on a blackjack style table with a single dealer. In one embodiment a set of game pieces can be used. In one embodiment the game can be played with chips/counters of various denominations and/or cash.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred gaming table and layout.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for one embodiment of game play.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner.

For simplicity, a particular type of game piece will be used throughout the detailed description, that of a card with an “X” or an “O” on one side. However, this is not to be interpreted as limiting. Any various game pieces can be used along with various indicia. For example, tiles having either a first or second indicia on one side can be used. This first or second indicia can be first and second geometric shapes, or first and second colors, or first and second numbers. The main idea is to have one of a possible two possible indicia with each game piece.

Casino Tic-Tac-Toe

In one embodiment the players will have a plurality of wagers to choose from for game play. In one embodiment a plurality of game pieces each having one of a plurality of indicia (e.g., “X” or “O”) which can be randomized and then placed in display position matrix array 200 to provide a random event outcome.

In one embodiment is provided a wagering or betting game where the game pieces are displayed in nine (9) position display matrix array. The allowable wagers for a winning outcome can be:

(a) first indicia (e.g, an “X”) to win by appearing three-in-a row, or

(b) second indicia (e.g., an “O”) to win by appearing three-in-a row, or

(c) a no indicia winning outcome, or a tie, where first (e.g, “X”) and second (e.g., “O”) does not win with a three-in-a row.

In one embodiment play starts when players make their bets in:

-   -   (a) first indicia (e.g., “X”) to win,     -   (b) second indicia (e.g., “O”) to win, or     -   (c) Tie or no first/second winning indicia to win, or     -   (d) a combination of the above three bets.

In one embodiment play includes the following steps:

-   -   1. The players will make their desired bets.     -   2. The dealer or designated player will call the starting         display square by number.     -   3. The dealer will begin dealing to that starting square and         continuing upward in count to square 9 then back to square 1         until all cards are dealt to reveal a winning outcome.     -   4. The dealer will take all losing bets and pay all winning         bets.     -   5. The dealer will collect all cards, shuffle and start the next         round of betting.

In one embodiment, the game pieces 300 can be rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, parallelograms, polygonal, or some combination of these shapes having one of two indicia (e.g., 310, 320).

The Wagers

In one embodiment the players are allowed to make different bets as to the randomized outcome of the game pieces 300. In one embodiment there are multiple bets for players to choose from for each round of play. In one embodiment, players can make bets of “X” 60, “o” 65, and “Tie” 70 for the outcome. In one embodiment players can bet on one, two, or all three betting options for “X” 60, “O” 65, and/or “Tie” 70. In one embodiment players can make specific proposition bets on the type of winning outcome.

In one embodiment players can make wagers on what position square (e.g., display position 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, and/or 290) the winning card 302 will be dealt (e.g., the square that will terminate a winning outcome).

In one embodiment players can wager on a position square (e.g., display position 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, and/or 290) that will be in a winning outcome.

In one embodiment players can wager on a display position square (e.g., display position 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, and/or 290) that will start a winning outcome.

In one embodiment players can also bet on the orientation of the winning outcome (e.g., diagonal, horizontal, or vertical section of squares in display matrix 200 making up the winning outcome of either “X” 60 or “O” 65).

In one embodiment dealing will stop when a winning outcome has been occurred (either “X” 60 or “O” 65, or all squares in display matrix 200 are filled and a “Tie” 70 occurs).

In one embodiment dealing will continue until all nine (9) cards 300 are displayed, and a winner will then be verified. Dealing will continue even after a first winning outcome is determined (e.g., three “X” in a row, column, or diagonal). Because dealing will continue, multiple winning outcomes are possible (e.g., “X” 60 and “O” 65, or only a “Tie” 70). For example, three “X” 60 may occur in one row and three “O” 65 occur in a second row.

In one embodiment there can be a bonus bet for a number of wins for a particular player in a series of games played in a row. This number can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more winning games in a row. In one embodiment the above bonus bet can be for “X” 60 winning. In one embodiment it can be for “O” 65 winning. In one embodiment it can be for “Tie” 70 winning.

Odds can be paid on all bets. A mathematical analysis can be determined to provide a house advantage on selecting and various payouts for the bets or wagers.

In one embodiment, all players are required to place wagers of equal value regardless of the wager made. In one embodiment the amount of the wager is determined by house rules. In one embodiment the amount of the wager is displayed at the game table.

In one embodiment each player is required to place the same amount of wager.

In one embodiment the amount of each player's wager can vary from another player's wager.

In one embodiment each player is given the option to increase his wager and require the other players to match, or the non-matching players will lose some or all of their wagers. In one embodiment, the raising and matching players can be granted some or all of the non-matching player's wagers.

In one embodiment different payouts can be made for different winning wagers. For example, the payouts may be based on the odds of winning.

In one embodiment a dealer is used to accept, collect, and payout on winning wagers. In one embodiment two dealers are used to accept, collect, and payout on winning wagers. In one embodiment one dealer is used to accept and collect wagers; and a second dealer is used to payout on winning wagers.

In one embodiment the person randomizing the game pieces (e.g., shuffling the cards 300 or shaking the game pieces) will randomize the game pieces, and another person(s) (e.g., dealer(s)) will collect bets and payout winning bets. In one embodiment dealer(s) is/are responsible for paying all winning bets and collecting all losing bets.

After the wagers have been placed, the dealer or game proctor will call for final wagers and, if no more wagers are placed, the result of the game pieces will be revealed.

In one embodiment a result of one or more of the game pieces 300 can be displayed and the players are given the opportunity to increase their previously made wager. In one embodiment the payout for the increased amount of a wager is the same as that of the original wager. In one embodiment the payout is different (such as 1 to 1). In one embodiment the possible increased wager is limited (such as by the amount of the original wager).

Step-by-Step Round of Play

-   -   (1) Players make wagers (step 100).     -   (2) Dealer or proctor calls final wagers (step 110).     -   (3) Randomization event (step 120).     -   (4) Dealer places game pieces 300 on table until a winning         outcome is displayed (step 130).     -   (5) Dealer will declare a winning outcome (step 140).     -   (6) Dealer will collect all losing wagers working around the         table (step 150).     -   (7) Dealer will pay all winning wagers (step 150).

Alternatives

The indicia on game pieces 300 or tiles are not limited to “X” 310 and “O” 320, and can include other indicia, such as numbers, symbols, or colors.

Bonus game pieces 300′, can also be introduced to each round of play to expand the chances of a player to obtain a winning outcome. In a bonus game piece, the game piece can serve as each of the plurality of indicia. For example, a bonus game piece 300 can stand for both “X” and “O” in determining a winning outcome for display matrix 200. The number of bonus game pieces can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or a similar percentage of the total number of game pieces.

Game Table

Referring to FIG. 1, table 20 can be a two legged in a half-moon shape and have a flat playing surface 30. The actual form of such a table (whether semi-circular, square, etc.) can vary, table 20 mainly serving to support the layout at a height which is suitable for the players. Area 40 is an area for housing the chips/counters prior to being used by the players. Surface 30 provides a playing surface marked with indicia 60, 65, and 70 to define the areas wherein various wagers can be made. Some or all of the areas can include a dividing line to specify the type of wager made in that area. Symbol 60 identifies the area for an “X” wager. Symbol 65 identifies the area for an “O” Symbol 70 identifies the area for a “Tie” wager.

In one embodiment the object of the game is to make winning wagers on a random outcome of tile faces. There can be a house payment schedule listing a series of outcomes with corresponding pay-offs which apply to one or more of the wagers.

The Play

At the start of each game all players place their wagers, preferably in the form of chips, in their chosen wagering areas 60, 65, and 70. Preferably, each player is allowed to make a wager in only one chosen area 60, 65, and 70. However, alternative versions of the game can allow a player to make simultaneous wagers in two or more areas—for example one wager in the “X” 60 area and a second wager in “O” area 65. Preferably, rules would not allow players to make inconsistent simultaneous wagers.

The Dealer randomizes a plurality of game pieces 300.

The Dealer deals one game piece into squares 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, and/or 290. The choices for the beginning and order of dealing have been described above. Dealing can occur until a winning outcome is revealed. Alternatively, dealing can occur until game pieces have been placed in all squares 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, and 290.

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the method 10. In step 100 the players place bets.

In step 100 players make their wagers.

In step 110 the dealer or proctor calls final wagers.

In step 120 the game pieces can be randomized.

In step 130 the dealer places game pieces on table until a winning outcome is displayed.

In step 140 the dealer will declare a winning outcome.

In step 150 the dealer will collect all losing wagers working around the table.

In step 160 the dealer will pay all winning wagers.

Referring to a preferred embodiment of the method, Table A can be generated illustrating the potential pay-offs in relation to the list of outcomes applicable to the game. The house advantage is achieved because a difference exists between the true mathematical odds and the actual pay-off ratios. Those of ordinary skill in the art can calculate appropriate payoffs for a house advantage. The game can be played by offering odds/pay-offs of a higher or lower order resulting in different edges accruing to the house.

TABLE A PAYOFFS Winning Wager Pay Table X wager calculated to give house odds O wager calculated to give house odds tie wager calculated to give house odds proposition wager calculated to give house odds

The method and apparatus can be adapted and played on a video game machine. Simulated cards are exposed electronically on a display panel/screen. Different rules for playing the game can be applied. In the above examples the pay-table can be adjusted to reflect the probabilities. It is to be understood that the embodiments discussed herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Numerous modifications may be made therein and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The following is a list of reference numerals:

LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS (No.) (Description)  10 method  20 table  30 surface of table  40 area for chips  60 area for X wager  65 area for O wager  70 area for Tie wager 100 placing of wagers 110 calling for last bet 120 randomizing (shuffling cards/randomizing game pieces) 130 dealing game pieces/cards 140 declaring one or more winners 150 settling all wagers 160 gather game pieces for next round 200 array of display squares 210 display square 220 display square 230 display square 240 display square 250 display square 260 display square 270 display square 280 display square 290 display square 300 plurality of game pieces or cards 300′ bonus game pieces or cards 302 winning piece or card 310 “X” indicia for game piece or card 320 “Y” indicia for game piece or card

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims. 

1. A method of playing a casino game comprising the steps of: (a) requiring each player to place a wager to participate in a wagering game played against a house/bank; (b) wherein the wagers are chosen based on an outcome from a random event based on a set of game pieces; (c) supplying a set of game pieces, each game piece having one of at least two possible indicia; (d) displaying a plurality of the game pieces; (e) based on the outcome of step “d” a comparison being made between each player's wager and the displayed outcome; and (f) paying each winning player.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “d” the game pieces are placed to occupy different display positions of a three by three array of display positions until a winning outcome is determined.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a winning outcome occurs where a line can be drawn through three game pieces in the array where the game pieces have the same indicia.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the indicia is the first indicia.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first indicia is an “X”.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the indicia is the second indicia.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the second indicia is an “O”.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein a winning outcome occurs where, after the array is completely filled with game pieces, no line can be drawn through three game pieces in the array where the game pieces have the same indicia.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the outcome is declared a “Tie”.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “a” the wagers are chosen from the set including: (i) first indicia in a row, column, or diagonal; (ii) second indicia in a row, column, or diagonal; and (iii) neither first nor second indicia in a row, column or diagonal.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of each player's wager is predetermined by house rules.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “a” the wagers are chosen from the set including: (i) first indicia in a row, column, or diagonal; (ii) second indicia in a row, column, or diagonal; (iii) neither first nor second indicia in a row, column or diagonal; and (iv) a set of specific proposition of possible outcomes for a row, column, or diagonal.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “a” each player is allowed to make more than one wager.
 14. A method of playing a casino game comprising the steps of: (a) requiring each player to place a wager to participate in a wagering game played against a house/bank; (b) wherein the wagers are chosen based on an outcome from a random event based on a set of game pieces; (c) supplying a set of game pieces, each game piece having one of two possible indicia; (d) randomizing the set of game pieces; (e) displaying a plurality of the game pieces upon an array; (f) based on the outcome of step “e” a comparison being made between each player's wager and the outcome; and (g) the house/bank paying each winning player.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein in step “e” the game pieces are placed to occupy different display positions of a three by three array of display positions until a winning outcome is determined.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein a winning outcome occurs where a line can be drawn through three game pieces in the array where the game pieces have the same indicia.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the indicia is the first indicia.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first indicia is an “X”.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the indicia is the second indicia.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the second indicia is an “O”.
 21. The method of claim 14, wherein a winning outcome occurs where, after the array is completely filled with game pieces, no line can be drawn through three game pieces in the array where the game pieces have the same indicia.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the outcome is declared a “Tie”.
 23. The method of claim 14, wherein in step “a” the wagers are chosen from the set including: (i) first indicia in a row, column, or diagonal; (ii) second indicia in a row, column, or diagonal; and (iii) neither first nor second indicia in a row, column or diagonal.
 24. The method of claim 14, wherein the amount of each player's wager is predetermined by house rules.
 25. The method of claim 14, wherein in step “a” the wagers are chosen from the set including: (i) first indicia in a row, column, or diagonal; (ii) second indicia in a row, column, or diagonal; (iii) neither first nor second indicia in a row, column or diagonal; and (iv) a set of specific proposition of possible outcomes for a row, column, or diagonal.
 26. The method of claim 14, wherein in step “a” each player is allowed to make more than one wager.
 27. The method of claim 1, wherein the game pieces include a plurality of playing cards.
 28. The method of claim 13, wherein the game pieces include a plurality of playing cards.
 29. The method of claim 26, wherein some cards have an “X” and some cards have an “O”.
 30. The method of claim 27, wherein some cards have an “X” and some cards have an “O”. 